PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A North Philadelphia community is working to replace a mural depicting a once-revered political icon after sexual abuse allegations surfaced against him in March.
Local muralist Michelle Angela Ortiz said Philadelphia has shared in the international outrage following a New York Times report on the late United Farm Workers leader Cesar Chavez. Chavez was accused last month of sexually abusing several women, including UFW co-founder Delores Huerta.
Ortiz said Philly's Latino community insisted the mural outside Maria’s Grocery at Fifth and Cambria streets in North Philly be scrubbed of Chavez’s likeness. Mural Arts put out a call and Ortiz developed a plan to honor the workers at the center of the farm workers’ struggle, while salvaging much of the original artwork.
“I offered the idea to replace the image of Chavez with Dolores Huerta,” she said. “She represents a multitude of people. The movement is all of the farm workers, the families, the mothers and the women.”
For Ortiz, it's also personal. The original muralist was her close friend and mentor, Jose Ali Paz. She says she wants to honor his work while also meeting the moment.
“Sometimes we want to focus on one particular leader,” she said, “when, honestly, movements happen with the power of the people.”
Ortiz said she expects to complete the mural by the end of the week.
Farm workers union leader Chavez was accused last month of sexually assaulting several women, including collaborator Huerta
Farm workers union leader Chavez was accused last month of sexually assaulting several women, including collaborator Huerta
